Our CEO, Matt, is running the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon on Sunday 11 May to raise funds for The Orrell Trust. Please sponsor Matt to encourage him in his efforts to complete the 42.2km course and support our vital work at the same time.
Reflecting on his challenge Matt said,
“As a rugby league fan there is something extra special about lining up on the start line of the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon at Headingly Stadium. That I can do so whilst also supporting The Orrell Trust and the amazing work we do for our local Bootle community is all the more special.”
Please complete the form to make your donation. With your support we can inspire Matt to get to that finish line.
Update 1: Tuesday 22 April 2025
I did my longest run of my training block on Easter Sunday – 3hrs and 45mins and a trifle under 28km of running. The last hour was very hard indeed. My body is tired from three months of training but, with three weeks until the event, I am officially tapering. This is the period of training where the load gradually lightens as the marathon approaches so as to arrive on the start line fit, fresh, and ready for the challenge ahead.
That said, my run after work today is not so easy – 1hr 5min with 25mins of this at considerably faster than marathon pace. I hope my legs have recovered sufficiently!
Update 0: Where it all began
Well, it didn’t really begin here. It began last year, 2024, when I tried to run the Leeds Marathon but got injured in training and had to defer. To boost my confidence I completed a 20 mile race in October – still my biggest run ever.
But my 2025 effort began in January, in Saltaire, with a gentle canalside run on a glorious Sunday morning. I even bought some excellent new socks for the occasion.